Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben and Jerrys
SFGCC News:
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben and Jerry’s, will speak 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Santa Fe Convention Center.
His presentation will be followed by Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia and other tantalizing Ben and Jerry’s classic and new flavors of ice cream for all who attend.
“When one thinks of an entrepreneur and business man who exemplifies social and environmental responsibility in the way they conduct business, Ben Cohen certainly is one that comes to mind immediately,” said Glenn Schiffbauer, executive director of Santa Fe’s Green Chamber of Commerce. “What an honor to have this opportunity in Santa Fe to hear his story and find out what he is doing now with his initiative to get money out of politics.”
Cohen opened his ice cream parlor with his partner Jerry Greenfield in 1978 with an investment of $12,000. Over the years, Ben and Jerry’s became one most successful ice cream brands in the world. They used their new found wealth to support progressive community organizations through Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, which was established in 1986. Today, the foundation continues to receive 7.5 percent of the Ben and Jerry’s annual pretax profits.
Cohen and his partner sold their share to Unilever in 2000 for $235 million. Since then, Cohen has become a passionate, tireless activist, promoting progressive causes both in Vermont and nationally. He helped to found True Majority and Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities, and more recently launched the Stamp Stampede campaign, which aims to pass a constitutional amendment declaring that corporations are not people and money is not speech.
The Santa Fe Green Chamber is sponsoring this event as part of its ongoing speaker series. The Chamber, which represents Santa Fe’s businesses owners who are driving the new economy regularly brings innovative speakers, progressive politicians and community activists to our community through its Green Drinks, Green Lunches and special presentations. The Chamber also sponsors the annual Green Festival and lobbies for progressive causes at the state legislature. Its mission is to build a sustainable community that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible, through action, advocacy and education.
Tickets to the event are limited. General admission is $12, which includes presentation and the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Social after. A $20 ticket also includes a “Get Money Out of Politics” Stamp. Proceeds will benefit the ongoing activities of the Santa Fe Green Chamber.
